“Upsetting to see Education and Health kill my conversion therapy bill,” tweeted Surovell after the vote. “Using harmful ‘therapy’ to convince youth they are unwell, simply for being who they are is WRONG. Conversion therapy in Virginia will end.”

Equality Virginia on its Twitter page thanked Surovell for his “leadership on this issue and for your efforts to protect Virginia’s youth.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia also expressed disappointment over the SB 245 vote.

State Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington County) has introduced an identical measure in the Virginia House of Delegates.